Go-To Easy Winter Meals
December has a way of sneaking up with a full schedule between holidays, end of the year wrap ups and colder weather. If you are wondering “what do I even make for dinner tonight?” here are some of my favorite quick, comforting, nutrient-rich meals that keep blood sugar stable, digestion smooth, and energy steady through the holiday season.
These are the meals I default to when life gets loud and I need doable and delicious nourishment!
1. Rotisserie Chicken Bowls
Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate meal shortcut. Build a simple bowl with:
Rotisserie chicken
Frozen or pre-chopped veggies (I’ve been loving Pura Vida fire roasted frozen veggies, broccoli slaw, or cabbage slaw)
A cooked carb (quinoa, sweet potato, rice)
Olive oil or tahini drizzle
Herbs, lemon, salt
2. Sheet Pan Protein & Veggies
My favorite easy meal that is so easy to switch up! Throw everything on a sheet pan and let the oven do the work. Try:
Chicken sausage, chicken thighs, or salmon
Brussels sprouts, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, potato, sweet potato, butternut squash or peppers
Olive oil, salt, garlic, oregano
Serve with rice or leafy greens to complete the meal. Here is my go-to sheet pan recipe: Sheet Pan Salmon + veggies
3. One Pot Soups
Soups are so easy to throw together and are a great way to sneak in fiber and minerals. Some of my favorites are:
Greek Lemon Chicken Soup (I swap for flour for all-purpose GF flour and the orzo for jovial pasta or jovial orzo)
Italian Sausage Soup (I swap the orzo for jovial pasta or jovial orzo)
Pro tip: Add extra protein (bone broth, shredded chicken, quinoa, or beans) so your soup actually satisfies you.
4. Breakfast for Dinner
Perfect for nights when you’re tired, cold, and done with the day. Try:
Veggie + egg scramble
Omelet with leftovers from the fridge
3 eggs, spinach, avocado, kimchi or other fermented veggies, berries
5. Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken or Beef
Set it, forget it, eat it for days. Here are some of my favorite recipes:
Serve in:
Rice bowls
Lettuce wraps
Over potatoes
As a quick taco filling
6. Basic Bowls
Choose one from each category:
Protein: chicken, turkey, ground beef, tofu, tempeh, salmon
Carb: potatoes, rice, quinoa, beans, squash
Veg: any roasted or sautéed veggie, leafy greens
Flavor: pesto, chimichurri, tahini, lemon, salsa, olive oil
Mix and match based on what’s already in your fridge.
7. High-Protein Smoothies
If mornings are busy smoothies are a great way to get minerals, antioxidants, and protein in early. Build one with:
Protein powder
Greens or frozen cauliflower rice
Berries or banana
Nut butter or seeds
Coconut water or almond milk
My go-to recipe in the winter is:
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 roasted sweet potato, peel and cooled
1/2-inch chunk fresh ginger root, peeled
1-2 pitted medjool dates
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp turmeric
1/2 cup coconut milk or water (more as needed to thin)
8. The Snack Plate Dinner
This is for when you need a minimal cook or prep meal. Try:
Hard-boiled eggs
Sliced turkey or chicken
Hummus or tzatziki
Veggies like celery, carrots, or cucumber
Fruit
Simple Mills or Mary’s gone crackers
Hard raw cheese
Nuts, seeds, or olives
Winter is full of moving parts, but your nutrition doesn’t need to fall apart with it. Lean on these simple, nourishing ideas to stay fed, grounded, and energized through the season.
